Security cover for a restraint buckle

ABSTRACT

A cover for application for use with a seat belt passive restraint including a buckle assembly having a tongue attached to a first belt segment and a receiver attached to a second belt segment and operable to selectively engage with the tongue and including a release button for disengaging the tongue. The cover includes a body having separate upper and lower portions that define a cavity therebetween to receive and enclose the buckle assembly. The upper and lower portions each have a wall forming top and bottom sides of the body and sidewalls depending from the wall. The sidewalls of the upper portion being in opposed relationship to the sidewalls of the lower portion. Opposed first and second apertures are formed. A dividing wall depends in a direction inwardly into the cavity from the wall of the upper portion and separates the cavity into two compartments. A latching means operates to releasably connect the upper portion to the lower portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to guards for preventing unauthorized actuation of a restraint buckle. More particularly, relating to security cover for a vehicle restraint buckles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Occupant vehicle restraints, such as seatbelts, lap belts and shoulder harness, are standard safety equipment in most vehicles. For the safety of each occupant it is a requirement that each occupant correctly use a vehicle restraint. A problem arises with young children or invalid adults who do not understand the importance of correctly using the vehicle restraint throughout the entire occupancy of the vehicle and intentionally or inadvertently release the buckle assembly of the restraint. This results in the occupant not being properly restrained.

It is therefore desirable to provide vehicle operators and others who are responsible for the safety of such occupants with a device to prevent access to the operating mechanism of the restraint buckle assembly by these occupants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a security cover for a restraint buckle of improved construction which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art devices and which in addition includes functional and other technical features not heretofore found.

In general, in one aspect, a security cover for a seat belt passive restraint includes a buckle assembly having a tongue attached to a first belt segment and a receiver attached to a second belt segment and operable to selectively engage with the tongue. A release button for disengaging the tongue is provided. The security cover includes in combination a body having an upper portion and a lower portion that define a cavity therebetween to receive and enclose the buckle assembly, the upper and lower portions each having a wall forming top and bottom sides of the body and sidewalls depending from the wall. The sidewalls of the upper portion are in opposed relationship to the sidewalls of the lower portion, and form opposed first and second apertures. There is a dividing wall depending in a direction inwardly into the cavity from the wall of the upper portion. The dividing wall separates the cavity into two compartments, and defines a third aperture connecting each of the two compartments together. The receiver of the buckle assembly is positionable in one of the two compartments with the second belt segment extending outward from the body through the first aperture and the tongue of the buckle assembly is positionable in the second of the two compartments. A portion of the tongue extending through the third aperture engages with the receiver. The first belt segment extending outwardly from the body through the second aperture, and the release button being covered by the wall of the upper portion.

In general, in another aspect, a security cover for a seat belt passive restraint includes a buckle assembly having a tongue attached to a first belt segment and a receiver attached to a second belt segment and operable to selectively engage with the tongue. A release button for disengaging the tongue is provided. The security cover includes in combination, a body having separate upper and lower portions that define a cavity therebetween to receive and enclose the buckle assembly, the upper and lower portions each having a wall forming top and bottom sides of the body and sidewalls depending from the wall. The sidewalls of the upper portion are in opposed relationship to the sidewalls of the lower portion, and form opposed first and second apertures. There is a dividing wall depending in a direction inwardly into the cavity from the wall of the upper portion. The dividing wall separates the cavity into two compartments, and defines a third aperture connecting each of the two compartments together. The wall of the lower portion forms a recessed portion positioned to receive an edge of the dividing wall, whereby the receiver of the buckle assembly is positionable in one of the two compartments with the second belt segment extending outward from the body through the first aperture and the tongue of the buckle assembly is positionable in the second of the two compartments with a portion of the tongue extending through the third aperture to be engagable with the receiver. The first belt segment extends outwardly from the body through the second aperture, and the release button is covered by the wall of the upper portion.

In general, in another aspect, a security cover for a seat belt passive restraint includes a buckle assembly having a tongue attached to a first belt segment and a receiver attached to a second belt segment and operable to selectively engage with the tongue. A release button for disengaging the tongue is provided. The security cover includes in combination, a body having separate upper and lower portions that define a cavity therebetween to receive and enclose the buckle assembly, the upper and lower portions each having a wall forming top and bottom sides of the body and sidewalls depending from the wall. The sidewalls of the upper portion are in opposed relationship to the sidewalls of the lower portion, form opposed first and second apertures. There is a dividing wall depending in a direction inwardly into the cavity from the wall of the upper portion. The dividing wall separates the cavity into two compartments, and is bifurcated to include two spaced furcations. A latching means operates to releasably connect the upper portion to the lower portion. The wall of the lower portion forms a recessed portion positioned to receive the edges of each furcation of the dividing wall opposite the wall of the upper portion. The receiver of the buckle assembly is positionable in one of the two compartments with the second belt segment extending outward from the body through the first aperture and the tongue of the buckle assembly is positionable in the second of the two compartments. A portion of the tongue extends through the dividing wall between the furcations to be engagable with the receiver. The first belt segment extends outwardly from the body through the second aperture. The release button is covered by the wall of the upper portion.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security cover for a restraint buckle in an open exploded position and constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the security cover of FIG. 1, in an open position with a buckle assembly of a vehicle restraint inserted into the cover;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the security cover of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a closed position enclosing and securing the buckle assembly;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the security cover taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the enclosed buckle assembly; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the security cover taken line along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates the security cover for a restraint buckle of the present invention. The security cover 10 includes a body 12 having an upper portion 14 and a lower portion 16 that define a cavity 18 therebetween to receive and enclose a buckle assembly 20 of a vehicle restraint 22. Each portion 14 and 16 is generally of a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration including a planar wall 24 forming top and bottom sides of the body 12 and depending sidewalls 26. The sidewalls 26 of the top portion 14 oppose the sidewalls of the bottom portion 16 and the sidewalls of the bottom portion are positioned to be received within the periphery of the sidewalls of the top portion. It should be appreciated that while the portions 14 and 16 are illustrated as separate, it is also possible the portions could be unitary. The depending sidewalls 26 define a first aperture 28 at one end and a second aperture 30 at an opposite end.

A transverse wall 32 depends from the planar wall 24 of the top portion 14 in a direction inwardly into the cavity 18 and separates the cavity into two compartments 34 and 36. The wall 32 includes a bifurcated portion having two spaced furcations 38 which define a passage between the first and second compartment 34 and 36. Alternatively, the wall 32 can be continuous and form an aperture which connects the first and second compartments 34 and 36 together. An opening or a recess is formed transversely across a portion of the wall 24 of the bottom portion 16 for receiving and securing a lower edge 42 of the wall 32.

With reference to FIG. 2, a buckle assembly 20 of a vehicle restraint is shown partially positioned with the cavity 18. The buckle assembly 20 includes a typical apertured tongue 48 attached to a first belt segment 54 and a typical receiver 52 attached to a second belt segment 50 and engagable with the tongue to attach the first and second belt segments together. The receiver 52 includes a typical button actuator 56 which is operable to release the tongue 48 from the receiver 52. Depending sidewalls 26 are formed with a latching means 46 to releasably secure the upper and lower portions together over the buckle assembly 20 to prevent access to the buckle assembly thereby preventing accidental or unauthorized access to the button actuator 56. The latching means 46 is designed to be difficult for a child or invalid adult to operate. The bottom portion 16 is formed with upwardly extending latch members 58 on opposed edges of wall 24 thereof. The depending sidewalls 26 of the top portion 14 are formed with outwardly extending loop-shaped catch members 60 positioned to engage the latch members 58. The latch and catch members 58 and 60 form a snap type latching mechanism.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3-5, the buckle assembly 20 of a vehicle restraint is shown positioned within the cavity 18 of the body 12. The receiver 52 is positioned in the cavity 18 within the area of the first compartment 34 with the second belt segment 50 extending outwardly of the cavity through the first aperture 28. The depending sidewalls 26 can be formed inwardly about the edges of the first aperture 28 to capture the receiver 52 within the cavity 18. The tongue 48 is positioned in the second compartment 36 with the action portion thereof extending into the first compartment 34 between the furcations 38 and engaged with the receiver 52 with the first belt segment 54 extending outward from the cavity through the second aperture 30. With the buckle assembly 20 retained within the cavity 18 and enclosed by the upper and lower portions 14 and 16, the button actuator is not accessible and cannot be purposely actuated or accidentally actuated ensuring the first and second belt segments 50 and 54 remain connected together.

In use, the receiver portion 52 of the buckle assembly 20 is positioned within the cavity 18 of the lower portion 16 with the second belt segment 50 extending outwardly from the cavity through first aperture 28. The upper portion 14 is attached to the lower portion 16 to enclose the receiver 52 within the first compartment 34 and secured to the lower portion with the latch means 46. The tongue 48, attached to the first belt segment 54, is then inserted through the second aperture 30 into the second compartment 36 with the operating portion of the tongue extending into the first compartment 34 between the furcations or aperture 38 and engaged with the receiver 52. The button actuator 56 is now inaccessible to accidental or unauthorized actuation. Alternatively, the tongue 48 can first be engaged with the receiver 52 and then the upper and lower portions 14 and 16 can be enclosed about the entire buckle assembly 20 such that the receiver and tongue are positioned within the first and second compartments 34 and 36 respectively with the dividing wall 32 being inserted between the receiver and the tongue so that the operation portion of the tongue is positioned between the furcations. To gain access to the button actuator 56, the upper portion 14 must be released from the lower portion 16 by simultaneously manipulating the latch members 58 to disengage from the catch members 60.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A security cover for a seat belt passive restraint including a buckle assembly having a tongue attached to a first belt segment and a receiver attached to a second belt segment and operable to selectively engage with the tongue and including a release button for disengaging the tongue, the security cover comprising in combination: a body having an upper portion and a lower portion that define a cavity therebetween to receive and enclose the buckle assembly, said upper and lower portions each having a wall forming top and bottom sides of said body and sidewalls depending from said wall, said sidewalls of said upper portion being in opposed relationship to said sidewalls of said lower portion and forming opposed first and second apertures; a dividing wall depending in a direction inwardly into said cavity from said wall of said upper portion, said dividing wall separating said cavity into two compartments, said dividing wall defining a third aperture connecting each of said two compartments together, whereby the receiver of the buckle assembly is positionable in one of said two compartments with the second belt segment extending outward from said body through said first aperture and the tongue of the buckle assembly is positionable in the second of said two compartments with a portion of the tongue extending through said third aperture to be engagable with the receiver and with the first belt segment extending outwardly from said body through said second aperture, and the release button being covered by said wall of said upper portion.
 2. The security cover of claim 1, wherein said wall of said lower portion forms a recessed portion positioned to receive an edge of said dividing wall.
 3. The security cover of claim 1, wherein said dividing wall is bifurcated and wherein said third aperture is defined as the space between the furcations.
 4. The security cover of claim 1, wherein said wall of said lower portion forms a recessed portion positioned to receive an edge of each furcation of said dividing wall.
 5. The security cover of claim 1, wherein said upper portion is separate from said lower portion.
 6. The security cover of claim 5, further comprising: a latching means operative to releasably connect said upper portion to said lower portion.
 7. The security cover of claim 6, wherein said latching means includes: first and second latch members, each extending from opposed edges of said wall of said lower portion in a direction towards said sidewalls of said upper portion; and opposed side of said sidewalls of said upper portion defining first and second catch members, each being positioned to be engagable with said first and second latch members respectively.
 8. The security cover of claim 5, wherein said sidewalls of said bottom portion are positioned to be received within the periphery of said sidewalls of said top portion.
 9. A security cover for a seat belt passive restraint including a buckle assembly having a tongue attached to a first belt segment and a receiver attached to a second belt segment and operable to selectively engage with the tongue and including a release button for disengaging the tongue, the security cover comprising in combination: a body having separate upper and lower portions that define a cavity therebetween to receive and enclose the buckle assembly, said upper and lower portions each having a wall forming top and bottom sides of said body and sidewalls depending from said wall, said sidewalls of said upper portion being in opposed relationship to said sidewalls of said lower portion and forming opposed first and second apertures; a dividing wall depending in a direction inwardly into said cavity from said wall of said upper portion, said dividing wall separating said cavity into two compartments, said dividing wall defining a third aperture connecting each of said two compartments together; and wherein said wall of said lower portion forms a recessed portion positioned to receive an edge of said dividing wall, whereby the receiver of the buckle assembly is positionable in one of said two compartments with the second belt segment extending outward from said body through said first aperture and the tongue of the buckle assembly is positionable in the second of said two compartments with a portion of the tongue extending through said third aperture to be engagable with the receiver and with the first belt segment extending outwardly from said body through said second aperture, and the release button being covered by said wall of said upper portion.
 10. The security cover of claim 9, further comprising: a latching means operative to releasably connect said upper portion to said lower portion.
 11. The security cover of claim 10, wherein said latching means includes: first and second latch members, each extending from opposed edges of said wall of said lower portion in a direction towards said sidewalls of said upper portion; and first and second catch members, each extending from opposed sides of said sidewalls of said upper portion and being positioned along a bottom edge to be engagable with said first and second latch members respectively.
 12. The security cover of claim 9, wherein said dividing wall is bifurcated and wherein said third aperture is defined as the space between the furcations.
 13. The security cover of claim 9, wherein said sidewalls of said bottom portion are positioned to be received within the periphery of said sidewalls of said top portion.
 14. A security cover for a seat belt passive restraint including a buckle assembly having a tongue attached to a first belt segment and a receiver attached to a second belt segment and operable to selectively engage with the tongue and including a release button for disengaging the tongue, the security cover comprising in combination: a body having separate upper and lower portions that define a cavity therebetween to receive and enclose the buckle assembly, said upper and lower portions each having a wall forming top and bottom sides of said body and sidewalls depending from said wall, said sidewalls of said upper portion being in opposed relationship to said sidewalls of said lower portion and forming opposed first and second apertures; a dividing wall depending in a direction inwardly into said cavity from said wall of said upper portion, said dividing wall separating said cavity into two compartments, said dividing wall being bifurcated to include two spaced furcations; a latching means operative to releasably connect said upper portion to said lower portion; and wherein said wall of said lower portion forms a recessed portion positioned to receive the edges of each furcation of said dividing wall opposite said wall of said upper portion, whereby the receiver of the buckle assembly is positionable in one of said two compartments with the second belt segment extending outward from said body through said first aperture and the tongue of the buckle assembly is positionable in the second of said two compartments with a portion of the tongue extending through said dividing wall between said furcations to be engagable with the receiver and with the first belt segment extending outwardly from said body through said second aperture, and the release button being covered by said wall of said upper portion.
 15. The security cover of claim 14, wherein said latching means includes: first and second latch members, each extending from opposed edges of said wall of said lower portion in a direction towards said sidewalls of said upper portion; and opposed side of said sidewalls of said upper portion defining first and second catch members, each being positioned to be engagable with said first and second latch members respectively.
 16. The security cover of claim 15, wherein said first and second catch members are generally loop-shaped and extend outwardly from its respective side wall of said sidewalls of said upper portion.
 17. The security cover of claim 14, wherein said sidewalls of said bottom portion are positioned to be received within the periphery of said sidewalls of said top portion. 